Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream - Columbia

Before recording had even completed on Bruce Springsteen's album Magic, producer Brendan O'Brien convinced Bruce to continue writing. So while on the road in support of Magic, Bruce & the E Street Band spent their downtime in the studio working on the songs that would ultimately become their latest release Working On A Dream.

For two albums that were conceived in a relatively close time frame, the tone or perhaps more specifically the style of the two differ quite a bit. Substitute the frustration that seeped its way into Magic for the hope and uplift that is presented throughout Working On A Dream. Songs like "My Lucky Day" and "Surprise, Surprise" are not only penned with optimism, but come equipped with driving guitars and melodies that are immediately pleasing. And there is certainly something to say for the energy on the record. Recording the album during breaks on tour clearly helped to harness the power of their live performances in the studio.

It's not however until the very end of Working On A Dream that the real dark horse of the album reveals itself. Obvious after the first listen that it wasn't written alongside its cheerful counterparts, "The Wrestler" is arguably the real gem of this album. By now you've most likely heard of the song's placement in the film of the same name and its success at the Golden Globe Awards. Simple and poignant, it's far from being a leftover and this quiet tune may make the most noise on Springsteen's latest collection.